Chittagong, May 20 - The third day's play in the first India-Bangladesh cricket Test was indefinitely delayed Sunday as persistent early morning rain rendered the outfield unplayable.

The rain started before dawn and continued to lash this port city near the Bay of Bengal.

India had scored 384 for six wickets in their first innings on a rain-curtailed second day Saturday, when rains and a soggy outfield allowed only 20 overs play towards the end of the day. Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly, however, duly completed their centuries.

The first day's play was also affected by rains, and 13 overs of the 90 stipulated for a day could not be bowled. So far, 83 overs of play has been lost over the two days.

The two umpires did not inspect the ground as it was pouring continuously with the sky covered with dark clouds. Play looks highly unlikely, but a decision to this effect will be taken later in the day.